Mouldy mattress adds to tiny home woes
A mother-of-two who purchased a modified caravan as a way of getting into home ownership is fearful of living in it after finding extensive mould in the bedding.
Zola Rose purchased the caravan for almost $40,000 in January after struggling to find suitable rental accommodation in Hamilton.
The caravan was advertised on Trade Me as a ‘‘tiny home slash caravan’’.
Soon after moving in, Rose, 47, discovered the caravan leaked, the shower wasn’t properly sealed, and the composting toilet was faulty.
An off-grid power system also didn’t produce an adequate electrical supply for the caravan’s fridge and other appliances.
This week, while changing her bed sheets, Rose noticed the underside of her mattress was damp.
‘‘When I put my hand under the mattress to tuck my sheets in, I could feel it was wet underneath.
‘‘When I pulled the bed apart . . . the mould was thick. It’s virtually growing into a garden.’’
‘‘I’m sleeping on all this mould, but I don’t know what to do.’’
Rose also lifted the carpet to investigate a leak which the previous owner assured her had been professionally remedied. She discovered the timber framing had started to rot.
The caravan is parked up in a cow paddock on the outskirts of Hamilton.
Rose shares the caravan with her 16-year-old son who sleeps in a nearby yurt.
Their setup includes an outdoor shower.
Rose’s 18-year-old daughter is currently away studying at university.
‘‘She has a very weak respiratory system and I would feel terrible if she visited me and had to sleep on a mouldy mattress. I miss her so much, but I can’t put her at risk.
‘‘This morning, for the first time I noticed water running down the ceiling.’’
Rose has taken the seller of the caravan to the Disputes Tribunal and is seeking a $30,000 payout. The hearing is set down for May 24.
After going public with her plight, a Stuff reader has offered Rose the use of their Pa¯ pa¯ moa bach this weekend.
‘‘It will be nice to have a break from this wet, dripping place and not have to worry about not having a refrigerator.’’
Rose’s wish is to eventually relocate to a tiny homes community.